Printer-friendly versionHe’s tall, blonde and handsome. He’s also openly gay. None of that would be exceptional but for the fact that Kevin Keller is the newest character in Archie Comics. If you’re wondering, “Who reads Archie Comics anymore?” then chances are you don’t know any young teenagers.
As the Archie website put it:
"The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive. Archie's hometown of Riverdale has always been a safe world for everyone. It just makes sense to have an openly gay character in Archie comic books," stated Archie Comics Co-CEO, Jon Goldwater.
Being excluded from Riverdale was a pretty small worry to those fighting for LGBT rights. But being welcomed there makes everything seem a little brighter, in Riverdale and beyond.
Educators who’d like to explore the use of comics in the classroom can try this Teaching Tolerance lesson.
Comments
I was slightly suprised yet
I was slightly suprised yet excited to hear about this! I read Archies as a kid back when time was plentiful and could not get enough of reading. I believe that part of teaching tolerance is opening up the door for inclusion of all walks of life. It is imperative that we teach our children that the choices we make today effect our future and if we are intolerant now we can cause alot of harm later on. Tolerance is passed on and taught so if the parents are intolerant then the children will be intolerant. Teachers must step in and open up the door for open- mindedness and change.